Warning: This article contains spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 3.

Obi-Wan Kenobi episode 3 includes a scene in which the titular Jedi sees a figure staring at him over the deserts of Mapuzo, a vision that is very important to Kenobi's past. The episode picks up where episode 2 left off, with Kenobi reeling from the reveal that Anakin Skywalker is alive, and is none other than the Sith Lord Darth Vader. Kenobi still has Leia to protect though and seeks help from Haja's contact to escort the young princess back to Alderaan.

In doing so, Kenobi finds help from Tala, an undercover Imperial agent. Before this though, Kenobi and Leia had to find their way through the desolate landscape of Mapuzo. Through the haze and heat, Kenobi sees a robed figure standing across the desert before the figure turns to him.

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The person Kenobi sees is Anakin Skywalker himself, played by Hayden Christensen for the first time since 2005 in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Kenobi sees the figure from afar at first, only visible from the back. However, as the robed man slowly turns towards him, it becomes clear that Kenobi's former padawan and best friend is the figure staring back at him.

What Obi-Wan's Vision Of Anakin In The Desert Really Means

Star Wars Obi-Wan and Anakin

The vision of Anakin means a lot within the context of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Firstly, the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan has always been slated as the driving force of the series. Since the announcement of the show, the cast and crew have stated how this relationship will be the main focus of the show, showing how the events of the prequels have affected both Anakin and his former master. Obi-Wan, who didn't know Anakin was alive, seeing him in the desert after hearing from Reva that he isn't dead, only reinforces this showing how Obi-Wan is remembering the man Anakin used to be. This is even more evident by the fact it is Hayden Christensen as Anakin, as opposed to Darth Vader in his suit.

The vision may also mean a lot regarding where the series will go in its remaining 3 episodes. One line from Darth Vader to Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi has always stood out: "Obi-Wan once thought as you did." This line may directly factor into the show, with Kenobi trying to bring Anakin back to the light side of the Force now that he knows he is alive, hence seeing the vision of Jedi Anakin before he became Darth Vader. Kenobi seeing him may also have been foreshadowing, both to the audience and Kenobi himself. As is known from Star Wars, the Force has a will of its own. The Force may have been showing Anakin to Obi-Wan to warn him or prepare him for the coming conflict with his former padawan.

It is also possible that Kenobi seeing Anakin is simply a visualization of the former's guilt. It is clear from Obi-Wan Kenobi's first three episodes that Kenobi feels responsible for what happened to Anakin, especially with his initial reluctance to save Leia in fears that he might fail her as he did her father. Therefore, Obi-Wan seeing Anakin, not Vader, is a reminder of the man and brother he once failed, conveying his guilt to the audience. Whether Kenobi will see further visions of Anakin, or even if he has a more lengthy conversation with him in the last three episodes of the show remains to be seen. However, the vision, and what has been hinted at by the cast and crew of the show, make it all the more evident that Obi-Wan Kenobi will continue to focus on the tragic relationship between Kenobi and his former brother, Anakin Skywalker.

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